NEET UG leak case: Delhi court asks CBI to appoint public prosecutor

NEW DELHI: The special fast track court at Delhi's Rouse Avenue Courts on Monday directed the director of prosecution to appoint a public prosecutor to represent the State (CBI) in the NEET UG 2026 paper leak case. The direction came after no one appeared on behalf of the CBI during the hearing.The court subsequently adjourned the bail pleas of accused Dinesh Biwal and Vikas Biwal to August 3.Special judge Anu Grover Baliga passed the direction while hearing the bail applications of the two accused before the newly constituted fast track court set up under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.According to news agency ANI, the proceedings marked the first hearing in the NEET UG paper leak case before the designated fast track court. However, the matter could not proceed after the absence of representation for the CBI. Advocate AP Singh appeared on behalf of the accused.The fast track court was constituted on July 23 to exclusively try offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, along with connected offences. All pending cases under the Act are to be transferred to the newly designated court.Earlier, on July 17, the predecessor court had sought the CBI's response to the bail applications filed by Dinesh Biwal and Vikas Biwal.According to the CBI, Dinesh Biwal and Vikas Biwal are among 13 accused arrested in connection with the alleged leak of the NEET UG question paper before the examination. All the accused are currently in judicial custody till August 6.The agency alleged that Mangilal Biwal contacted Shubham Khairnar to procure the NEET UG question paper for his son, Vikas Biwal. It further claimed that the leaked question paper was recovered from Mangilal Biwal's mobile phone.According to the investigation, Mangilal allegedly obtained the paper from Yash Yadav for Rs 10 lakh. During interrogation, Vikas Biwal allegedly told investigators that he had come into contact with Yash Yadav while attending coaching classes in Sikar, Rajasthan.The CBI further alleged that the leaked paper was circulated through a chain involving Shubham Khairnar, Yash Yadav, Mangilal Biwal, Vikas Biwal and Dinesh Biwal. Investigators have also alleged that Mangilal subsequently sold the leaked paper to several candidates for Rs 12 lakh each.An FIR in the case was registered on May 12, 2026, on the complaint of a government official under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024.The matter will next be taken up on August 3, when the court is expected to hear the bail pleas after the prosecution enters appearance.Get the latest India News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.